The Appalachian Mountain chain to which the Appalachian Trail is anchored are America's classic mountains, featuring pieces of almost every major geological event in Earth's history. This amateur geologist (a chemical engineer by occupation) walked the entire trail over a period of more than 10 years, looking at the manifestations today of events millions of years ago-through a hiker's eyes. This book, reviewed before publication by three top academics in the field, provides background on the development of the rocks beneath the hiker's feet, with layperson-friendly maps and photographs.